Dental Care by the Numbers

By Alex Hecht on August 07, 2018

Dental care is a valuable asset when it comes to enjoying a strong, healthy, and fully-functional smile. At Staten Island Aesthetic and Implant Dentist, we offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments to address dental complications, along with cosmetic dentistry treatments to address aesthetic flaws. These services allow our patients to enjoy a smile that is healthy and attractive.

In this day and age, it is clear that oral health and professional dental care is something that matters to the majority of the public. Here, we highlight some important dental care statistics that show just how willing our Staten Island, NY patients (and many others across the United States) are to take the steps necessary to optimize their oral health and functions.

People Want a Healthy Smile

Professional dental care is vital to maintaining a strong, healthy smile. As statistics show, an overwhelming number of Americans value a healthy smile.

According to a study recently conducted by the American Dental Association Healthy Policy Institute, 95 percent of those surveyed considered their oral health critical to their overall well-being. And 85 percent say they prefer to visit the dentist twice a year for routine dental exams and cleanings.

This is an important routine for patients to maintain. Not only do routine cleanings drastically reduce the risk of tooth decay, infection, and gum disease, but regular dental exams also allow dentists to diagnose potential problems before they advance into a serious complication. With early restorative dentistry treatment, most conditions can be treated simply and effectively.

Appearances Matter

Aside from wanting a healthy smile, people also want one that looks attractive. In the same study conducted by the American Dental Association, 80 percent of respondents said they believe a healthy white smile can help them get ahead in life and at work.

Another survey conducted by Wakefield Research shows that more than one-third of American adults are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Sadly, 36 percent of those surveyed said they believe they would have a better social life if they had a more attractive smile.

Common aesthetic concerns that prevent people from enjoying their smile include crooked teeth (and other malocclusion problems), tooth discoloration, and missing teeth. Fortunately, all of these issues can be addressed with cosmetic dentistry treatment. Our dentists offer a number of cosmetic services that address tooth loss, misalignment, and dental stains. We can personalize a treatment plan to give each patient the straight, white, attractive teeth they desire.

Afraid of the Dentist? You Are Not Alone

While most Americans recognize the importance of professional dental care and have intentions to schedule necessary treatments, they don’t always follow through. Of the 75 percent of survey respondents who said they planned to visit the dentist in the coming year, only 40 percent actually did.

One potential cause for this is dental anxiety. It is estimated that around 60 percent of people experience some degree of dental anxiety, and between 5 and 10 percent suffer from true dental phobia.

Sedation dentistry may be the ideal solution for these individuals. Sedation dentistry makes dental care comfortable and relaxed, so that patients with dental anxiety can undergo the dental care they need to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. Our dentists are happy to help patients determine whether they may be ideal candidates for sedation dentistry.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about the restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments offered at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist, contact us at your earliest convenience. Our experienced dentists are happy to answer any questions you may have about our dental services and the benefits they provide.